Meet Candice Johnson of Sweetgloss in Hapeville

Today we’d like to introduce you to Candice Johnson.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Candice. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My career as a makeup artist started in 2000 in the dressing room of a strip club in Detroit. At the time I was a dancer with no direction in life at the time. The highlight of my night was getting glammed up for work. I love how makeup transformed me into the character I needed to be plus it hid my insecurities. What changed it all was watching an episode of Oprah and she had Kevyn Aucoin on as a guest. My mind was blown I had no idea this was a career, you mean I could be an artist for a living?

So from that day on, I started to learn everything I could about the artistry. I started getting paid to do the girls makeup at the club and that was dope because it kept me off the stage and I was able to make my money. Then I got my first real job as an artist at MAC then became a trainer that capitulated me into the celebrity world. My first celeb was Alicia Keys I also got to work with designer Betsy Johnson. Oh, I also was key makeup artist for a video shoot in South Africa for actor Idris Elba.

Bad habits and bad decisions and a broken heart caused me to lose everything, I came to Atlanta five years ago to start over like many do.

I fell out of love with the art but moving here has helped me to heal and rekindle the love. Now it’s not so much about being huge in the industry the makeup world has changed so much with social media and it’s hard to keep up sometimes. I consider myself an old school makeup artist, it truly is about the art and being of service to people. I just want to be authentic and maintain my own lane… quality over quantity.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My struggles have been putting others peoples needs before mine that set me back a lot in my career.

Also changing with the times back when I started we didn’t have social media and as an artist it wasn’t about you being the star it was about your client. So I’m still adjusting to this selfie age but as long as I’m in this industry, I will adjust with the times.

Sweetgloss – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I have several businesses now as I’ve grown I realize I don’t want to be in a box and it’s ok to do other things you love.

I’m still a freelance artist “Sweetgloss” is my company name. I can be booked for anything that requires makeup. I do enjoy the fact that I can be more selective when it comes to the jobs I accept. I’ve also started a business called “Luvinlibation” I write about wine and tea. I’ve also just partnered with a female owned wine company “Love corkscrew” and I conduct wine tastings. As you get older doing more of what you love becomes priority.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success to me is living a life that I love. A life that affords me the lifestyle I desire. Being able to be of service and help others. Making my mom and myself proud. Success to me is truly coming from a life we’re all the odds were stacked against me and I fought through it all to be here now living the life of my dreams.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sweetgloss.com; www.luvinlibation.com
• Email: [email protected]; [email protected]
• Instagram: Sweetgloss ; luvinlibation
• Facebook: Luvinlibation

Image Credit:
Charles Andre Thomas

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